Monday, August 17, 1998
Unwanted household chemicals can find a home
By Vicki Hunker
Staff Writer
Paint and related products will be collected for disposal Saturday at the Seneca County Fairgrounds.
The collection is the third paint collection sponsored by the Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca Joint Solid Waste Management District, Executive Director Tim Berlekamp said.
''Only this time we're expanded,'' he said.
In addition to paint, included will be other household chemicals, such as pesticides and cleaners.
''They're household generated,'' Berlekamp said. ''That's what needs to be understood. It's not for farm-generated pesticides and business waste.''
Collection times will be 9-11 a.m. for people with last names beginning with the letters ''A-I''; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for letters ''J-R''; and 1-3 p.m. for letters ''S-Z.''
Only paint products in cans of 5 gallons or less from households will be accepted; none from industries or businesses.
Accepted will be latex/water-based paint, grout, sealers, primers and coatings; oil-based paints, sealers, primers and coatings; varnish, polyurethanes and shellacs; wood stains, primers and strippers; paint thinner, turpentine, kerosene and lighter fluid; spray-paint aerosol cans; adhesives, roof tar, driveway sealer and gasoline.
In addition, household-use pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides will be accepted, along with household cleaners, such as oven cleaner, drain cleaner and muriatic acid.
Paint cans with no remaining liquid can be thrown away in the trash. If there is only a small amount at the bottom of the can, here are some hints from the district for drying out the remaining paint:
* Leave the lid open and let the paint air dry in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets.
* Brush the remaining paint on cardboard or newspaper.
* Pour half-inch layers of paint into a cardboard box lined with plastic. Let it dry before adding another layer.
* Donate leftover usable paint to a theater group or non-profit organization.
Collections also will be at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds, SR 163, Oak Harbor, and Sandusky County Health Department parking lot, Countryside Drive, Fremont.
For more information, call the district at 419-334-7222 or 888-850-7224.